Sierra Vista High School senior Sophia Rivera is looking to graduate at the end of the fall semester, completing a high school journey that saw her transform from a shy, at-promise student uncomfortable in a big school environment to a campus leader looking toward college and career. For her resilience and leadership abilities, the Whittier Union Board of Trustees presented Rivera with an Award of Merit during its Nov. 18 meeting, where she thanked her school’s administrators, teachers, and her family for their constant support and encouragement.
Whittier Union High School District Board Member Gary Mendez will step down from the Board of Trustees effective Tuesday, Dec. 9, following Board action taken in closed session on Nov. 18. After closed session, the Board reported out that it approved a settlement agreement with Mendez, in which he submitted his resignation. Mendez will offer his final remarks at the start of the Dec. 9 Board meeting.
Whittier Union High School District is one step closer to bringing its much-anticipated Performing Arts Center (PAC) to life, celebrating the beginning of construction of its vibrant, 450-seat, state-of-the-art theater with a community groundbreaking on Nov. 10. Construction is set to begin shortly, with a completion date of fall 2027. The PAC, created to spotlight Whittier Union’s visual and performing arts (VAPA) students and programs, was meticulously designed by SoCal-based LPA Design Studios. The firm collaborated closely with a wide range of stakeholders to create a space that is both visually striking and highly functional, while honoring the history and spirit of Whittier Union’s VAPA community.
Pioneer High School students shared their high school experiences with future teachers during a field trip to Cal State University, Fullerton (CSUF) in October, designed to assist aspiring CSUF grad students as they learn the best strategies for providing equity in the classroom. Nine Pioneer High students lent their perspectives on school life during a panel titled “Speaking Our Truth: Young Men’s High School Perspectives on Culture and Belonging” to CSUF Diversity in Education students looking to earn their teaching credential.
Whittier Union school psychologist Stephanie Murray, an advocate for student well-being and suicide prevention for more than 30 years, has been recognized by the California Association of School Psychologists (CASP) with its Nadine Lambert Outstanding School Psychologist Award, given to psychologists for their dedication and innovative practices. Murray received her award at the 2025 CASP convention on Oct. 29. Murray began her Whittier Union career at California High School, where she worked to develop suicide prevention protocols, provide ongoing teacher training, and establish a centralized method of risk assessment and information sharing. The protocols were adopted Districtwide even before the passing of Assembly Bill 2246 in 2016, which requires all California school districts to have suicide prevention policies and protocols in place.
From the moment California High School social science teacher Christine Segura graduated from Cal High in 2012, she sought to return to the school and district that she loved so much. Since being hired fulltime in 2021, Segura has expanded her responsibilities, serving as yearbook advisor, assistant volleyball coach, and as Co-Lead for Cal High’s Business Academy pathway. Now, Segura will begin a new role as an education advocate after receiving a Teach Plus California Policy Fellowship, making her one of just 20 California teachers to receive a fellowship in 2025. Teach Plus is a national nonprofit dedicated to empowering teachers to lead key policy initiatives that advance equity, opportunity, and student success.
Whether in the classroom or out in the community, California High School senior Carter Crail leads with purpose, earning admiration for his academic excellence, strong character, and dedication to continuous growth. Crail boasts a 4.47 GPA, with 26 semester units of honors and Advanced Placement (AP) courses going into his senior year alone. Crail’s dedication to civic service is rooted at home. He grew up being inspired by his mom, a lifelong community servant, and said he believes in supporting the community that nurtured him.
The Whittier Union Adult School’s (WUAS) Plumbing 1 class has served as a pipeline of employment since its inception in 2022, with the career technical education (CTE) course providing students with expert guidance that emphasizes employability, efficiency, accuracy, and relationship-building. Preparing the next generation of plumbers, the class currently has an 80% employment rate. The rapid success of the program has been recognized by the South Bay Workforce Investment Board (SBWIB), who awarded WUAS with its 2025 Outstanding Program Performance Award. The school will receive its award at SBWIB’s 30th Annual Awards Ceremony, held Oct. 30 at the Torrance Marriott South Bay.
Whittier Union High School District spotlighted its success in preparing students for bright futures during its inaugural State of the District event on Oct. 1, engaging nearly 200 community members, elected officials, students, families, and staff with a catered dinner reception, live student performances, and a program that emphasized strong community partnerships and a deep commitment to academic excellence. The event, held at California High School and generously sponsored by Los Angeles County Supervisor Janice Hahn, was attended by state leaders such as Senator Bob Archuleta and Assemblywoman Blanca Pacheco. Local leaders in attendance included Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri, Whittier City Councilmembers Cathy Warner and Mary Ann Pacheco, Whittier City Manager Conal McNamara, Santa Fe Springs Mayor Bill Rounds, Norwalk Councilmember Ana Valencia, and La Mirada City Councilmember Michelle Velasquez Bean.
Pioneer High School senior Nydia Palacios is known as a natural leader and an academic role model who loves to challenge herself, acquiring both high school and college credits at a lightning pace while enjoying as many extracurricular activities as she can fit into one day. Palacios, who boasts a 4.05 GPA, entered her senior year with 286 credits, which far exceeds the traditional 220 credits needed to graduate. Palacios has also gotten a start on higher education, having completed seven community college dual enrollment courses, in addition to her myriad campus leadership positions and musical and athletic pursuits as a member of the PHS Jazz Band, track & field, and girl’s cross-country teams. Palacios’ love of volunteering has seen her devote countless hours to help serve those in need, whether she is engaging in afterschool tutoring for the Boys and Girls Club, or serving as a Youth Leader for her church. Palacios has also emerged as a campus leader. She is currently president of Pioneer’s PTSA Club and as a junior was vice president of the school site council.
